Nobile is Montemaggiore's own special blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from our estate vineyards. Every year the exact blend may vary slightly—the 2011 Nobile is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Syrah—but the synergy between these two varietals always produces a delectable, age-worthy wine. Being a cooler vintage, the texture of this wine is a bit softer, and the spiciness of the Syrah comes out more.

2011 VintageAlthough California's north coast has an ideal climate for growing grapes, the weather in 2011 created many challenges. Spring was wet and cold, including rain during the crucial pollination phase, followed by a cool summer with temperatures 10-15°F below normal. With a smaller crop, ripening sped up with warmer temperatures in August and September, but then the rain arrived early in October. At Montemaggiore, we harvested in smaller lots than usual, offering the vines every opportunity for ripeness before significant rain damage set in.

Winemaker's Goal
With the Nobile blend, Cabernet's strengths (structure, ageability, and depth) are combined with syrah's strengths (breadth of flavors, soft tannins)—thereby yielding a wine that's appealing fruit aromas, easy to drink young or aged, and a lot of complexity to keep you sipping! More on Nobile Winemaking ▶

Tasting Notes

The 2011 Nobile exhibits red currant and black plum aromas, along with hints of tobacco and cocoa. On the palate, its structure is classic mouth-filling Cabernet, balancing power and elegance, with a soft velvety finish.

Winemaking Notes

The Cabernet and Syrah were hand-harvested, and each was fermented separately to bring out its strengths: the structured complexity of the Cabernet and spicy berry flavors of the Syrah. The Cabernet underwent a short cold soak with a 14-day fermentation while the Syrah underwent a short cold soak with a 13-day fermentation. After a gentle pressing in a stainless steel basket press in order to limit astringency, the wine aged in French oak barrels. The wine was blended in September 2012, and bottled after barrel aging for 19 months.

Food Pairings
Being a balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this wine goes well with the dishes that traditionally go well with each varietal.